The GWS Giants are back in town this weekend, bringing AFL back to Canberra for the last time this year in a big game against North Melbourne. And really, is there a better place in Australia to watch a game of footy?

There’s just something about Manuka Oval. Unlike almost every other AFL stadium in the country, it has a sense of history. The low-rise seating and the cute little Curator’s Residence nestled at the Northern end of the ground lend a quaint and cosy feel.

It’s become a real favourite for football fans across Australia given the ability to sit so close to the action. Here are a couple of fun facts:

1. Manuka Oval was known as Manuka Circle Park.
The change came in 1929 when it was fenced off and became a ticketed venue.

2. The Scoreboard came from the MCG.
It has operated there for 80 years prior to the installation of the first electronic scoreboard in Australia in 1982. Countless Australian Rules legends (as well as cricket) legends have had their scores tallied on that board over the years.

3. Jack Fingleton gave his name to the scoreboard.
He was a prolific author who also worked in the press gallery at Old Parliament House, and was, most importantly, an opening batsmen for the Australia cricket side. He died just prior to the scoreboard being installed at Manuka.

4. The playing surface is one of the biggest in Australia
At 179 x 150m, it’s just bigger than the MCG (173.6 x 148.4m) and the largest for AFL Football.

5. The GWS Giants love it.
They’ve committed to playing four games a year until the end of 2021. It’s great for Canberra’s AFL fans to have something they can all cheer for.

And it’s certainly working. While fans wearing the colours of their traditional AFL clubs typically frequented AFL games at Manuka, the Giants have managed to unify the crowd in a sea of orange.

Simply put, there’s nothing better than heading down to Manuka on a sunny afternoon (Saturday is looking glorious!) and watching the footy.

We’ve got a great deal to help you get in the food, with a burger and a ticket to the match available for just $25.00.

Click here for further information!